Merle was born on December 5, 1940, to Dorothy and George DeVoe in Dawson, North Dakota and had four siblings: Charles, Ray, Clayton, and Darlene. Merle graduated from Charlo High School in 1958 and attended college at Western Montana College where he met Shirley Jane Smith of Whitefish. He and Shirley attended graduate school together at Southern Illinois University; they were married for 23 years and had one daughter, Jennifer “Jenny” DeVoe (Alton Straub). Jenny and Alton have two children, Carliana and Bennett Straub who were Merle’s pride and joy. _x000D_
As an audiologist and career public servant, Merle served the state of Montana in the Office of Public Instruction for over 20 years. _x000D_
Merle enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family and friends. He never turned down an opportunity to go fishing, and he loved every minute of his countless fishing “floonce” adventures (even if he didn’t catch any fish!). _x000D_
Merle will be remembered for his personal integrity, incredible generosity, free spirit, outgoing personality, and for being a “forever friend.” He did not want to be mourned, instead he requested that friends and family gather for some R&R (“revelry and remembrance”) at a campground this summer in celebration of his life. _x000D_
He also requested that you think of him the next time you are fishing, hiking, camping, golfing, enjoying a play at the theater, watching a baseball game, doing the crossword puzzle, playing cribbage, or sharing precious time with your children and grandchildren. When your life gets crazy, remember to heed Merle’s words to “go low and slow!” _x000D_
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Montana Wilderness Association, 80 S. Warren, Helena, MT 59601. Remembrances and greetings to the family can be shared on-line at www.helenafunerals.com._x000D_
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Michelle Krings says
Jenny-
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. ~Michelle (Gerl) Krings
Jerry Maddio says
Dear Jenny
I am Vince Maddio’s wife who was a good friend of your dads. I was so sorry to read of your loss. He was a great guy. The last time I saw him was at Vince’s funeral and hard as it was for him he was there with a big hug for me. He was very good to Vince after he got ill. Up he would come with a milkshake and I know how hard it was for him to come up the steps to come in but there he was. I’m sure you will all miss him, he talked of you and his grandkids like there could be none as beautiful and good as his. Bless you all.
Jerry Maddio
Pam Brown says
Dear Jen ~
It was a pleasure and an honor to meet you last week. I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was one of the best neighbors Charlie, John and I ever had! He was so sweet and he had such a great sense of humor! He was loved by many friends.
He loved you and your children so much. He was so proud of YOU and loved his grandchildren. It felt like I had already met you when he told me all the nice things about you and your accomplishments. You guys were his life.!
Know that our Thoughts and Prayers are with you during this difficult time. After losing Charlie on Dec 10th, I can only tell you that there are no instructions for grieving. It’s a long, hard process, but I know Charlie welcomed your Dad with open arms. They’re probably doing a little fishing now and then like they used to do, maybe a game of pool.
Your Dad will be missed by a lot of those that knew such a wonderful and kind man. Merle was one of our very favorite friends.
May God Bless You,
Pam & John Brown
Helena, MT
Charles DeVoe says
I am sorry he is gone but the way he enjoyed life we all have to smile and say, he had a good life, and I truly believe he enjoyed people, life and being active. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Joe Ayres says
I was “Frenchie’s” roommate in college and we kept in touch over the years. He was a man who lived life to the fullest. As others have noted, he was very proud of his kid and grandkids. In turn, he was someone you could be proud to call Dad/Grandfather. He is most certainly missed.
Joe Ayres
sarah coffman: retired teacher says
Hi Jen let me introduce myself you Dad let me visit in Helena and traveling across Montana seeing the glacier and visiting a friend in the air force in Great Falls and I hope I saved those pictures and the letters from that time in 1999 or 1998; I was a teacher in Texas and my great uncle left West Virginia wanted to go to Montana but settled in Forgan Oklahoma! I will try to find the pictures and letters I would love t send them to you or talk to you maybe I can find you or maybe with an email address! My name is Sarah Coffman nickname “Catiâ€
Yojur Dad was a gentleman and generous. And always proud of you back east when in school or college;
He lived in a mobile home with tomatoes growing in and other vegetables in his garden we talked about school and education I was very proud to call him a friend! The tomatoes were in containers higher off the ground this is redundant! Blessings to you and your family!